The state’s unemployment rate remained at 3.6% in January, the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services reported Monday.
The unemployment rate for December was originally reported as 3.4% but was later revised up to 3.6%.
The U.S. jobless rate in January fell one-tenth of a percentage point to 4%.
In Arkansas, the civilian labor force increased by 2,068, as 1,956 more people were employed. It’s the 36th straight month of record high employment.
The labor force participation rate rose two-tenths of a percentage point in January remained at 58.4%.
Compared to January 2024, there were 19,791 more people employed in the state. The unemployment rate is up four-tenths of a percentage point. Arkansas’ labor force participation rate is up four-tenths of a percentage point on an annual basis.
On a monthly basis, nonfarm payroll jobs declined by 16,500 in January, mostly due to seasonal trends. Jobs in trade, transportation and utilities dropped by 5,200, due mostly to the end of temporary holiday hiring. Losses in government (-3,200) and leisure and hospitality (-3,200) were both largely related to winter break at schools and universities.
Compared to January 2024, Arkansas’ nonfarm payroll jobs increased by 21,600. Nine major industry sectors posted annual growth, with private education and health services adding 8,300 jobs. Notable expansions were also seen in professional and business services (+4,500), trade, transportation and utilities (+3,800) and in manufacturing (+1,500).
Other sectors and their changes from January 2024:
- Financial activities: +1,200
- Construction: +1,100
- Government: +800
- Trade, transportation and utilities: +700
- Other services: +500
- Mining and logging: -200
- Information: -600
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